Chinese researchers have successfully cloned the first rhesus monkey for medical research.<\/p>\n
The research, detailed in the journal Nature Communications, reveals that the cloned rhesus monkey, named \u201cReTro\u201d after the scientific method employed, has remained healthy for over two years, indicating the success of the cloning process.<\/p>\n
Previous attempts to clone rhesus monkeys faced challenges, with either unsuccessful births or offspring succumbing shortly after.<\/p>\n
However, the Chinese research team addressed these issues by implementing a technique known as \u201ctrophoblast replacement,\u201d where they avoided using the part of the cloned embryo responsible for developing the placenta.<\/p>\n
This innovative approach resulted in successful pregnancies and a live birth from 11 implanted embryos out of a total of 113.<\/p>\n
Concerns have rightfully been raised by animal welfare groups, including the UK\u2019s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).<\/p>\n
The RSPCA expressed deep concern over the potential suffering caused to the cloned animals, emphasizing that the benefits to human patients must outweigh the animal suffering. Of course, that doesn\u2019t even take into account the basic right to bodily autonomy that should be afforded to all sentient beings.<\/p>\n